Yukon Ascend Phase II and Windows Server 2003 Ascend to begin soon

Well, it looks like Yukon Ascend Phase II is beginning.  I'm starting to see some of my nominated ISVs being sent their acceptance letters.  I attended the Phase I Ascend program and the training and labs were excellent.  I'm also spinning up Windows Server 2003 Ascend and Whidbey Ascend invites.  Nominations for both of those programs close Sept.1 2004, so if you are an ISV in the US NW, drop me a line quickly if you'd like to participate. 

Some links to descriptions of these programs can be found here:

 http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2004/jul04/07-11SQLAscend.asp

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Ok, so I couldn't find a ms.com link to Windows Server 2003 Ascend.  I'll list the benefits here:

• In-Depth Training from the Industry’s Subject Matter Experts
  • The Windows Server 2003 Ascend team has contracted with subject matter expert content providers who are considered to be the industry’s top experts on Windows Server 2003 to provide a 5 day in-depth instructor-led training. This is a 5 day course that covers in depth subjects such as Security and Identity Management, Communication and Collaboration, Management, Connectivity and 64-bit computing - it is intense, and merits attendance by multiple architects and/or developers in your organization.
  • Microsoft will pay the class fee for all approved Windows Server 2003 Ascend program participants.  All other travel-related expenses associated with class attendance will be the responsibility of the participant.
  • Classes will be taught in many different locations worldwide.  Dates and locations will be announced as they become available based upon demand.
• Access to Exclusive Development Labs, Content and Testing Tools
• Hands-On self-paced labs will be part of the instructor-led courses and will be accompanied by a DVDs that we distribute to program members.
  • The Windows Server 2003 Ascend team will be conducting a variety of special events associated with Windows Server System in the upcoming year; private web casts, e-learning and online academy events, as well as on-site training’s.
  • Participants will be given access to application compatibility testing tools that will be useful in detecting changes required to support Windows Server 2003.
• Access to Code, Service Packs, and Newsgroup Support

• Service Pack Beta users will have access to newsgroup support, filing bugs, downloading samples, and much more.
• Access to interim builds for blocking issues may be provided in certain circumstances. Microsoft Assigned Field Evangelist

• The Windows Server 2003 Ascend program is backed by the Developer & Platform Field Evangelist’s who will serve as your primary point of contact throughout the development cycle.
• The Field Evangelist will have access to a support infrastructure through Microsoft’s Premier Services which will offer at no cost 40 hours of architectural guidance and Windows Server 2003 project specific based support. 
• The Field Evangelist is responsible for helping to ensure Microsoft exceeds expectations from the participating members throughout the Ascend phase and will guide the partners & customers to a successfully developed solution.
• Increased Visibility for Co-Marketing and Demand Generation Activities
  • As adopters of depth Windows Server 2003 technologies, Ascend participants will be among the finest customers and partners who have done great work on building and deploying applications that take full advantage of Windows Server 2003.  
  • This translates to increased visibility with Microsoft corporate and field marketing personnel who are driving Windows Server 2003 momentum, case studies, PR and demand-generation opportunities.